Disney's 'Zootopia' Opens Big With $73.7 Million Debut

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Joyce Giraud, Valentino Ohoven and Leonardo Ohoven arrive at the premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' 'Zootopia' at the El Capitan Theatre on February 17, 2016 in Hollywood, California.

Disney's "Zootopia" scored the fourth biggest March opening ever, debuting to $73.7 million over the weekend.

The animated story about a rabbit who joins the police force ranks as the biggest Disney Animation launch (though not the best Pixar debut), outstripping "Frozen," the 2012 blockbuster that bowed to $67.4 million. With no major family film opening until "The Jungle Book" lands on April 15, "Zootopia" is well positioned to be the de facto choice for moviegoers with children for the next month.

"There's an absence of competition," said Dave Hollis, Disney's distribution chief. "We are set up to have a big, big run."

Disney did not release a budget, but most animated films cost in excess of $100 million. "Zootopia" screened in 3,827 locations.